The Reverie Hotel, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Date of stay : We’ve stayed a few times, but the most recent was in February 2019

This is undoubtedly one of our most favourite hotels in the World! Situated on the top floors of the Times Square building, in the finest location in Ho Chi Minh City, this property has the absolute wow factor and the service is impeccable. Being the only member of “Leading hotels of the World’ in Vietnam speaks volumes.

We first visited this amazing hotel a few years back as part of a Far East itinerary, and we were completely awe struck by the complete opulence of the property. We loved it so much that we have been back every year since, but sadly next year it doesn’t fit in with our arrangements so we will be missing it. 

On one occasion we booked the hotel transfer from the airport, which was a minivan as we were travelling with our closest friends, and it actually had crystal decanters in it! If it’s just the two of you then the hotel owns a fleet of executive cars, which can be arranged to collect you from the airport, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Bentley among others.

Every time we arrive at the downstairs reception area of the hotel, with the front doors being swept open by the attentive white gloved staff, we just stand mesmerised by the crystal chandeliers and Italian style designer furniture. On the ceiling there is an Italian Murano glass map of Vietnam, and from it hangs the most spectacular variety of pear shaped glittering chandeliers, it really is spectacular. The floors of the hotel are all constructed with Italian marble of different shades and styles, and the elevators that whisk you up to the main reception are lined with amber. We can imagine this is what it’s like being a guest in a Royal palace, the complete decadence of the hotel is breathtaking, and the money that has been spent to achieve this grandeur is eye watering.

After checking in at the main reception area, (where the 500,000 euro designer clock stands!) you are then graciously led to your suite. Again jaw dropping. We’ve been lucky in the past to have been given corner suites, with incredible views over the Saigon river and the surrounding city skyline. Watching the sunrise over the river from the floor to ceiling windows, or looking down as the thousands of mopeds wizz by at night, as the city comes alive with neon lights, and illuminated river boats, is something you’ll never forget.

The rooms… unabashed luxury again. Our room boasted ‘his and hers’ marble vanity units standing in the centre of the bathroom, a walk in rain shower, separate toilet with automatic bidet built in, and a huge bath by the window so we could have a soak and admire the view. Absolute luxury. Heaps of white fluffy towels, Chopard bathroom products, an enormous sumptuous bed adorned with the finest pillows and cotton bedding, free minibar, and curtains that open with a touch of a button.. what more could one want in a hotel suite?! Outstanding.

Breakfast at the hotel is wonderful too. Fresh coconuts and juices, a team of chefs in their glass walled kitchen producing eggs cooked to perfection, a spread of cold cuts, further hot selections, fresh tropical fruits, and service as one would expect from a hotel of this calibre.

We’ve experienced and enjoyed dining in all three of the hotel’s restaurants. R&J the Italian restaurant with live jazz on most nights offers delicious and very well presented dishes. The Royal Pavilion Chinese restaurant, which incidentally was packed full of Chinese guests during our visit (a good sign) is very authentic. The Long @ Times Square, which offers lighter fare and is very reasonably priced, named the long for the huge bar that stretches from one street entrance of the hotel to the other, offering a great atmosphere in the evening and featuring live music. In addition to the hotels dining options you can easily wander out, as the hotel is so central and there are a plethora of restaurants within walking distance.

The outdoor pool at the property on the 6^th floor of the building is beautiful. Continuing with the extravagant theme there is piped music as you dive below the water, and chandeliers outside in the evening. The fitness centre is furnished with the latest equipment, and there are always staff on hand to assist you. We thought about going in and doing a bit of exercise, but that’s as far as we got!

In summary this is an absolute gem of a hotel, not to everyone’s taste I’ve read, and in some reviews people have called it gaudy and garish, but please ignore them! Yes, it’s completely over the top but that’s what makes it so special and awe inspiring. For complete and utter luxury you would have to look hard to find better than the Reverie Saigon, we absolutely love it…

 Further Information :

Transfer time from the airport approximately 30 minutes

Walking distance to various restaurants. Vietnam House restaurant is a couple of minutes walk away and offers local dishes in a refined setting

Ho Chi Minh time zone : GMT +7

Currency : Vietnamese Dong, but USD $ widely accepted

Places to visit :

Cu Chi Tunnels – a history of the Vietnam war. We took a speedboat up the river for the day to view the tunnels and it was a fantastic way to see them.

War Remnants Museum – fascinating account of the Vietnam war, including actual helicopters and tanks on display. There is a pretty gruesome torture exhibition too, and it definitely draws your attention to some of the horrors of the war.

Ben Tanh Market – busy and bustling and big! Be ready to barter. An interesting point though, around the circumference of the main market within the building there are fixed priced traders so you pay the price you see, and it’s usually cheaper than batering.

Saigon Central Post Office – A beautiful example of architecture from the French Colonial era.

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